Keith Cole receives grant to conduct integrated research on mobility, cognition and aging

(Press-News.org) The five-year grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) will fund Cole’s research on dual decline while integrating advanced training in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and systems biology of aging. Older adults experiencing dual decline are at greater risk of developing dementia than those with changes in only one area. 

“Research into dual decline may help researchers identify predictors and treatment targets, potentially transforming early detection and intervention strategies for aging adults with an elevated risk of physical and cognitive decline,” Cole said. “Answering important questions about the underlying mechanisms of dual decline will be instrumental in advancing the integration of mobility, cognition and aging research.” 

The award, named for renowned geriatrician Paul B. Beeson, MD, is a high honor within the aging clinical and research field. Cole is the 11th recipient at Vanderbilt University Medical Center since the program’s inception in 1995. 

“Dr. Cole’s selection for this prestigious award is a testament not only to his innovation and leadership in the aging field but also to the exceptional training and collaborative environment fostered here at Vanderbilt University Medical Center,” said Angela Jefferson, PhD, professor of Neurology and director of the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center. 

Jefferson, who holds the Herbert O. and Vineta Christopher Directorship, is Cole’s primary mentor for the award and had the honor of being the first nonphysician clinician to receive a Beeson award nationally. Timothy Hohman, PhD, professor of Neurology, will serve as Cole’s co-mentor. 

Cole will have additional support from Ravi Shah, MD, the Gottlieb C. Friesinger II Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and professor of Medicine; Dandan Liu, PhD, associate professor of Biostatistics; Bennett Landman, PhD, Stevenson Professor and director of the Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation; and Keenan Walker, PhD, a senior investigator with the NIA’s Multimodal Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease Section. 

VUMC’s Beeson Scholars include: 

Mary Ellen Koran, MD, PhD, a 2024 recipient (now at the Mayo Clinic)  Myrick Shinall Jr., MD, PhD, a 2020 recipient Matthew Schrag, MD, PhD, a 2019 recipient Nathan Brummel, MD, MSCI, a 2016 recipient (now at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center) Katherine Gifford, PsyD, a 2015 recipient  Susan Bell, MBBS, MSCI, a 2015 recipient  Angela Jefferson, PhD, a 2007 recipient while at Boston University  Consuelo Wilkins, MD, MSCI, a 2006 recipient while at Washington University in St. Louis  E. Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, a 2001 recipient  Laura Dugan, MD, a 1998 recipient while at Washington University in St. Louis  END